To prevent US ban, TikTok is now requesting its users to contact their senators

The firm is stepping up its campaign to encourage users to call lawmakers, one day after the House of Representatives passed a bill that might result in TikTok being banned in the US. Users were asked to “tell your Senator how important TikTok is to you” and “ask them to vote not on the TikTok ban” in new in-app notifications that the app started to push out.

The latest alerts are the second time TikTok has sent out similar messages to users regarding the bill. The corporation encouraged customers to call their House members before the House vote. The move might have backfired since politicians allegedly felt overloaded with requests from the firm to “interfere” with the legislative process.

The latest notifications are even more direct. “The House of Representatives just voted to ban TikTok, which impacts 170 million Americans just like you,” it says. “Now, if the Senate votes, the future of creativity and communities you love on TikTok could be shut down.” Like the previous alerts, users can choose to “call now,” and the app will find phone numbers if a zip code is provided.

TikTok is pushing new in-app messages urging users to call lawmakers

TikTok didn’t immediately respond to a request for a comment. But the message underscores just how big a threat the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” is to the company. If approved, TikTok would be subject to a US embargo and would have around six months to market itself. While attempts to outlaw the app or compel a sale have been made before, none of the proposals have garnered as much support from both parties as rapidly. President Joe Biden has stated he will sign the bill into law if it passes the Senate.

In a direct address to users, TikTok CEO Shou Chew urged people to “protect your constitutional rights” and pledged that the firm will “do everything in our power, including exercising our legal rights, to protect this amazing platform.”